This is a very powerful Channel indeed. I can't get over the Gate let alone the EQ and Compressor. Like all UA plugins this is pure quality. I am now holding my breath for this to be converted to a Unison Channel so I can use it on the way in as a Mic Pre.

I've used and owned the hardware versions of the Neve 33609 since they were first available. Without doubt, this plug-in is indistinguishable from my favourite hardware.
There hardly a broadcast mix that wouldn't benefit by using this across the final output. A work of genius in emulating the work of a genius.

When I tried this plugin for the first time it wasn´t the Eq or the compressor that impressed me the most. It was the expander/gate. It´s simply put incredible! However the Eq has that sweet Neve sound that you would expect and the compressor is responsive and accurate. It´s my go to plugin in every session.

Over the years I've gathered quite an affinity for Neve's "quirky" EQ's. There is something oddly unconventional about Neve designed equalizers. The normal rules of thumb used with all other EQ's just don't seem to apply to them. Instead, one has to move the knobs around (while listening closely) and soon enough your targeted tracks are taking their rightful place in your mix. The 88RS plug has that "magic" quality in it's EQ section. And with it's euphonious compressor and gate components too. This plug adds a smooth, "analog" sound to everything I've run through it (and I run almost everything through it). That it uses so little UAD processing power to achieve this quality makes it's purchase a no brainer.

I have never had the chance to hear the hardware itself but this channel strip sound great on my home recorded vocal track (male vocal) The EQ works perfectly and somehow I found it more characteristic and perfect than 1081 on the same track. The only reason I rate 4 out 5 that the gate is almost unusable on vocal tracks because the maximum attach time is 7 ms. Vocal inhaling would need more. Please change this in this soft inspite of the hardware's authenticity. I think it would be useful. I will definetaly use this on my tracks.

Excellent channel strip. I use it on most tracks , two weeks after purchase.
The bass strip preset is a killer. Works very effective on, obviously , a basstrack.
Worth every dollar.
In 2012 I have bought the Apollo and i find myself using the UA plug ins more and more on most tracks.
Keep up the good work guys.

i use almost first this great plugin, and then adjust with another comp or eq...
the only thing, is the gain knob for eq is too much subtle from 0 to 3/4; then too hard!
it's not rare to push to 4/5 on a frequence!

I love this compressor. Not too much more to say but you can use it on a master fader, drum buss, stems. You name it, it will make it sound better.
I especially like using it as an aux compressed buss.
Take all the instruments you want to compress and send them out through a stereo aux send, this allow you to mix a separate mix for the compressor.
send this to the Neve and slowly add the compressed mix back into your un-compressed mix. You will hear the mix get louder but if you are careful and watch the stereo meters you will hardly see any increase in level.
I usually leave out vocals, BG's and any lead instruments.

I haven't found a sound yet that doesn't sound better with this on it. Vocals, acoustic, bass, snare, kick, clean electric — all stunning. I feel guilty for taking so much credit for how good everything sounds when this little plugin is doing so much of the heavy lifting. This was my entry into the Neve line of plugins and it is forcing me to slowly cobble together the whole entire bundle. Thanks Universal Audio for making possible something that simply wasn't just a few short years ago. I love everything you guys make!

For me, to be able to create a virtual Neve console to mix in the box with that sounds as good as this does, is fantastic. I love the EQ range, I feel like I can dial in and control what I need, and I love that you have emulated the analog oddities with your attention to detail. I especially like the way it 'rounds' the edges, when I need it to as well. Learning curve wasn't too bad, but that's what the manual is for, right? :)

Once I got use to the layout the fun started. I love the gate / expander a lot because of it's responsiveness. I must admit that you have to pay attention to what your doing because it can be a bit finicky. The comp / limiter is good. I find that I have to work at getting the right sonic results of what i hear in my head. I us the eq the most, because it represents that true analogue experience within a plug in. I get very good results when boosting or cutting the lower frequencies. The filters are decent and being able to change the order of the dynamics and the equalizer section is awesome ! Overall I find you have to work at making this plug in do the things that modern plugins do. Hey a little work never hurt anyone ... right !

The 88RS is certainly a great all-rounder which manages most tasks admirably - making it my default EQ in Pro Tools. When it comes to problematic drum kits, the 88RS is able to tame these quite effortlessly and when used in conjunction with the 33609, there's that signature Neve roundness which other emulations havent quite managed yet. It takes a little time to get to grips with the 88RS, but it's well worth the effort. Highly recommended. Great plugin, UA.

If you want results...fast, accurate, warm, no other is best....
You can build also a chain with multiple plugins to get exactly the same that you can with this, but this is a hands on plugging...all you need in a chain is here.
And very DSP efficient....40 mono 88RS tracks in a session is not bad at all.
Best of all is the warm color that it gives to your tracks, even with no processing, just plug it and hear how sound changes. Delicate EQ, great Comp and awesome gate.
What more do you need eh??

Started using this plug in on just about every buss. The master buss the mix takes on a "sheen" and an "air" that I remember some of my favorite recordings having. This is a must have plug in for anyone looking to add the Real Glue Factor to their mixes. Thanks UA!